The last couple weeks have been a whirlwind. I spent a few days being treated for stress at a local mental hospital. It consisted of mostly processed foods, and moderate doses of Ativan.
After three days of this, I was discharged as fully recovered. I cleaned out my locker at work, turned in my truck keys and went home. I’ve been going to an appointment a day, with mixed results. I am flat broke but my bills are paid thru the end of January. I lost my employer provided health insurance but was able to sign up for something thru ACA since it was open enrollment so at least I have non-employer tied health insurance so that’s cool. I have new work beginning soon.
The counselor I’ve been seeing put me on a low dose of Lexapro (they also wanted me on a an “as needed” dose of Xanax, but I have substance abuse issues so I’m not filling that one).
I’m not better yet, but I’m really trying to get there. I think I have a path in front of me. It’s time to follow it. My doctors think I need to lay off social media, but seeing as this den of iniquity is the only social media I’m on, I reckon I’ll be cutting back a fair amount but not leaving entirely.
If I have interacted with someone here negatively, I am truly sorry. I’m just beginning to sort myself out so I don’t know what to say beyond I am sorry. I’m not that person, and I’m trying to get more distance between me and that person. Please accept my apology and know I’m making an effort to sort myself the fuck out.
I’m cutting back on the processed garbage I feed myself. I’m working out. I’m seeing a counselor. I can’t say I quit social media as I occasionally post here still.. I’m making a conscious effort to curtail/end the mind altering substances I consume. Onward and upward, hopefully.
Anyway here’s Wonderwall, or whatever.
Hey comrade! Glad you're taking some very good proactive steps! It all sounds wonderful and like your steering your life in a new direction.
Give the meds some time to work, generally you're looking at a month for the ssri to kick and and start noticing a change in your mood. I've never been on lexapro but I'm on two other ssris and they keep me stable and let me focus on tasks like taking care of myself during the day and sleeping at night.
Getting off social media is a good idea too. But you can still treat yourself with some hexbear from time to time
I'm just glad you're okay you had me worried for a bit and I tried to DM you and heard nothing, I figured life had gotten in the way.
Hey! I dunno how I missed the DM. I didn’t mean to neglect it. I’ve always enjoyed chatting w you.
I’m starting to feel better. I’m not sure how to quantify it, and whether it’s the meds, or counseling, or placebo, or not doing the sheer volume of work I was, or some combination of all of it, but it’s nice so far. The stress has been dialed back from a 11 to a 3, or 4. Like it’s something that I can actually face and deal with even. My watch has even alerted me to a larger quantity of sleep per night, on average.
It’s a pleasant change from three weeks ago.
Wonderful news and don't sweat it, I'm happy for you!